Things to do in Hampshire: January 2026

Get 2026 off to a great start this January with a month filled with music, theatre, illuminations, and winter events and activities. Here are our top picks of what’s on and things to do in Hampshire this January.

Experience Van Gogh Alive Winchester at Winchester Science Centre

Step into the world of Van Gogh at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium with Van Gogh Alive,  a new immersive art installation that will be in situ from 22 January – 22 March 2026. This multisensory experience will bring the artist’s masterpieces to life through light, sound and movement, giving you the sensation of being amongst his paintings.

Fly over to Birdworld’s new indoor play area

January is the perfect time to discover Birdworld’s newly opened indoor play area, offering a bright, weather-proof space where children can burn off energy while adults enjoy a relaxed visit. Designed with younger explorers in mind, the play area adds an extra layer of fun to a winter day out, making Birdworld a great option even when it’s wet outside. Combine it with a stroll around the park to spot penguins, flamingos and other resident birds, many of which are especially active in the cooler months.

Have a deer feeding encounter at New Forest Wildlife Park

Experience an unforgettable wildlife moment with a Deer Feeding Encounter at New Forest Wildlife Park. On 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11 January 2026 you can hand-feed gentle resident deer under the guidance of expert keepers and learn about their behaviours in this magical setting — a perfect family-friendly winter activity with sessions in the morning and afternoon.
 

See the Winter Woodland Lights at Hawk Conservancy Trust

Start the new year with some illuminated cheer, the Winter Woodland Lights at Hawk Conservancy Trust is back from 16 January – 1 February 2026.

After exploring the beautiful woodland light trail, visitors will be treated to a breathtaking evening owl flying display set against the glorious glowing trees.

Catch the last of the festive illuminations

Other light displays and trails have been glowing across the county for Christmas but if you missed them, you can catch them in the first few days of January. Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens at Christmas and Glow Marwell at Marwell Zoo are both on until 3 January 2026 and the Steam Illuminations at the Watercress Line continue until 4 January 2026.

Cruise down to Disney and Pixar Cars at National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

See some of the world’s most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu in this family-friendly exhibition running until 12 April 2026. Meet life-size models of Lightning McQueen, Mater, Jackson Storm and Finn McMissile, enjoy fun photo opportunities and explore Radiator Springs right in the heart of the New Forest — a great day out for all ages this January and beyond.
 

Skate into 2026

You can still glide down on the pop-up city ice rinks Portsmouth On Ice and On Ice Westquay on Ice, Southampton until 4 January 2026, but if you’d like to take to the ice later in January, head to the permanent ice rinks: Planet Ice in Gosport and Basingstoke.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Mottisfont, National Trust

This winter, brighten up a dull day and head to Mottisfont for an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved and iconic children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. The trail is brought to life with beautifully-illustrated trail markers, giant food cut-outs, activities and games. Children can learn about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly, within the picturesque setting of Mottisfont’s gardens.

Try skiing or snowboarding on the dry slope

Preparing to visit mountains this winter or just fancy trying some slope skills closer to home? Head to Calshot Activities Centre in Southampton or the Alpine Snowsports Centre in Aldershot for some skiing and snowboarding on the dry slopes.

Go winter bird watching at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Get out for a winter stomp at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey in January where more than 650 plants are grown for their brumal beauty in one of the largest winter gardens in Europe.

While you’re there, you can join in with the The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch from 23 to 25 January 2026,  with the results helping to compile the RSPB: Big Garden Birdwatch survey.
 

Celebrate Pride and Prejudice at Jane Austen's House

Continuing the Jane Austen excitement from the author’s recent 250^th birthday, the much-loved Pride and Prejudice Festival returns to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton from 24 – 28 January 2026, with a packed programme of talks, tours, performances and special events celebrating the iconic novel.

Laugh your way into the new year with FRIENDS! The Musical Parody at Mayflower Theatre

Laugh your way into the new year from 6 – 10 January 2026 with FRIENDS! The Musical Parody at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton — a side-splitting stage comedy celebrating the iconic TV series with an original score and plenty of nostalgic moments. Follow Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe through a musical take on life, love and friendship in 1990s New York City.

Dance to 90s hits at Portsmouth Guildhall

Relive the biggest hits of the 1990s with Chris Moyles’ 90s Hangover at Portsmouth Guildhall on 17 January 2026, with radio and pop culture icon Chris Moyles playing an unforgettable live set featuring the decade’s best indie, pop, rock and dance tracks — from Blur to Britney and Prodigy. Expect nostalgia, energy and plenty of sing-alongs as this DJ-led show takes you back to the soundtrack of the 90s.
 

Embrace some winter wellness with an outdoor sauna

Kick-start the new year with a dose of winter wellness by trying an outdoor sauna in Hampshire. The contrast between crisp winter air and soothing heat is both invigorating and deeply relaxing, helping to ease tired muscles and clear the mind.

Catch a late winter sunrise or early sunset

Winter solstice is behind us and the days are gradually getting longer but if there’s one silver lining to short winter days it’s the late winter sunrises and early sunsets, often accompanied with stunning pink skies. Read our top places to catch the sunset in Hampshire here.

Cosy up in a Hampshire country pub

There’s no better way to escape the January chill than by settling into a Hampshire country pub, complete with hearty food and a roaring fire. Whether you’re stopping off after a bracing countryside walk or simply enjoying a slow afternoon with family and friends, Hampshire’s pubs are always inviting in the winter.

Search for more events in Hampshire

Fancy a January getaway?  Take a look at our huge range of accommodation. Hampshire has something for all budgets including hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering properties, and cosy traditional holiday cottages. 

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